Online Clinical Laboratory Technician Schools: How to Choose

Online programs for students interested in clinical laboratory technology are available in a number of accredited colleges and universities. Due to the hands-on requirements to enter the field, online programs typically require some on-campus training and additional internship experience before a student can graduate with a degree.

How to Select an Online Program in Clinical Laboratory Technology

Award Levels

To qualify for positions in clinical laboratory technology, students must complete an associate's degree and pass an examination issued by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCALP). Online schools and colleges offer nationally accredited associate's degree programs in clinical laboratory technology that provide strong preparation for the exam and qualify students for positions in the field.

Program Type

Online degree programs offer students a variety of enrollment options such as full online immersion, low-residency (hybrid) or self-paced program. Online immersion programs provide course instruction though video, voice and e-mail correspondence and don't require students to visit campus for classes. A hybrid program requires students to spend part of their time on-campus and offers more hands-on training opportunities. Due to the necessary hands-on experience and technical know-how required for clinical technologists, most online programs in clinical laboratory technology are hybrids.

Technical Requirements

Online programs require high-speed Internet to accommodate the transmission of large text files, video and multimedia lectures and presentations. In order to access special online features or complete assignments, students may need to acquire additional hardware and software such as a microphone or a printer.

List of Popular Online Programs in Clinical Laboratory Technology

Online Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology

Online associate's degrees in medical laboratory technology will require students to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in liberal arts before they can begin taking laboratory technology courses. Courses in clinical laboratory technology will cover major areas of clinical laboratory sciences, such as hematology, chemistry, microbiology in online lectures, textbook reading assignments and online presentations.
Students will be expected to supplement online lectures and course material with on-campus training in clinical laboratory procedures, operation and maintenance of lab equipment. Typical on-campus courses include clinical chemistry, immunology, medical terminology, clinical chemistry and human anatomy and physiology. The degree also may require that students complete an internship; this will provide them with a chance to gain experience in a professional laboratory setting. Graduates will need to pass a certification exam before they can obtain a job in the field.